Dwinal Cole Griffin Jr., 71, of Warren, and winter resident of Crystal River, Fla., died unexpectedly on Nov. 3 at his home in Crystal River, Fla.
He was born on June 12, 1935 in Portland, to Dwinal Cole and Elizabeth Dyer Griffin Sr.
As a youth, Dwinal lived on Cliff Island in Portland Harbor and attended school on the Island and in Portland.
He enjoyed playing baseball on Cliff Island, and the Red Sox farm team before entering the service. Dwinal served four years in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Germany, a veteran of the Korean Conflict.
Following military service, he married Ruby Hill of Bridgton. He worked for a brief time as a well driller and plumber. He then moved his family back to Cliff Island where he became a full time lobster fisherman for 47 years until 2004.
His family moved to Windham, in 1968, where he coached for the Windham Babe Ruth teams.
During his last 15 years, Dinnie enjoyed life and traveling with his beloved companion Margaret Jordan. His favorite activities were tennis, baseball, hunting, fishing, biking, history, genealogy, and family gatherings.
He traveled to places such as Alaska; Alberta, Canada; Vancouver; California; and the St. Lucian Islands.
He was a 7th Day Adventist. His passions were family, nature, the sea, and storytelling. His life was filled with an abundance of joy from family and friends. He never failed to make us laugh with his quick wit and “believe it or not” stories. Our lives have truly been touched by his amazing sense of humor, the happiness, and affection he shared with us. He will always be remembered and loved as a wonderful man with a big heart, giving spirit, and a “good” story.
Surviving are his companion, Margaret Jordan of Crystal River, Fla. and Warren; son, Michael (Nancy) of Windsor,Va.; daughters, Lynne (Gary) Brackett of Bristol, Terry (Dan) Warren of Gorham, and Sandy (Jeff) Seaton of Bridgton; brothers, Allen (Lucille) Griffin of Casco, Clifford (Millie) Griffin of Buckfield, Theodore (Cindy) Griffin of South Portland, and David (Trudy) Griffin of Westbrook; sisters, Carolyn Whitney of North Turner, and Marguerite of Massachusetts; 16 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
Visiting services 5-8 p.m., Thurs., Nov. 9 at Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland.
Funeral services 11 a.m., Fri., Nov. 10 at Hobbs Funeral Home.
Reception following the burial 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Hobbs Hospitality Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association.